Held in Fatima from 29 August to 1 September 2024, the IX International Congress of Mary Help of Christians was an event of great importance for the Salesian Family and devotees of Mary Help of Christians.
Under the theme ‘I will give you the Teacher’, the congress highlighted the importance of devotion to Mary Help of Christians and her recognition as Mother and Teacher within the Salesian Family.

The 9th International Congress of Mary Help of Christians has come to an end. Having brought together more than 1,300 participants from over 44 countries, including priests and lay people, it was an important moment of reflection, which reflected on the universality of Marian devotion and the importance of Mary in the life of the Salesian Family.

The diversity of the participants was one of the most important points of this Congress. The presence of educators, catechists and young people, all members of different groups of the Salesian Family, was a highlight. Spain, Italy and Portugal were the countries with the largest number of participants.

A wide and diverse range of activities took place throughout the congress, including conferences, testimonies, times of prayer, cultural visits and liturgical celebrations. All the activities were carefully thought out in order to address themes that are relevant to the Salesian Family, especially with regard to devotion to Mary Help of Christians.

The topics covered during the four days of the meeting were diverse, but all centred on the figure of Mary Help of Christians and her importance as Mother and Teacher within the Salesian Family. The emphasis was on Mary’s intervention throughout Don Bosco’s life and her constant presence as a guide.

Philippines hosts the next International Congress of Mary Help of Christians
At the end of the meeting, the venue for the 10th International Congress of Mary Help of Christians in 2028 was revealed. The Philippines, a country with a strong Marian tradition, will host the participants with the aim of continuing to deepen faith and devotion to Mary Help of Christians. The next congress promises to be another opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal of the Marian mission in the world.

Strengthening the bonds of faith
The International Congresses of Mary Help of Christians are events organised by the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) for all the groups of the Salesian Family, who find in Mary the Mother and Teacher of all vocations.

These meetings are a very important moment for everyone. Therefore, all the groups of the Salesian Family are called to take part in this important moment of union and devotion.
The organisation of this congress in Portugal proved to be a unique event that was experienced by all the members of the Salesian Family as a great moment of grace.